HITLER’S CHALET ATTACKED

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23186, 27 April 1945, Page 5

HITLER’S CHALET ATTACKED

12,000 Pound Bombs On Berchtesgaden Heavy Damage Caused By Telegraph—N.Z. Press Assn.—Copyright LONDON, April 25. Hitler’s chalet at Berchtesgaden and the SS barracks in the grounds, and his mountain refuge at the top of the Kehlstein, five miles from the chalet, were attacked between 9 and 10 o’clock this morning by separate forces of Royal Air Force Lancasters. The Lancasters, two of which are missing, were escorted by Mustangs. Twelve thousand pound bombs and other heavy explosive bombs were dropped. Photographs taken during the raid to-day show a large number of bombs bursting right on Hitler’s chalet at Berchtesgaden and the SS barracks in the house grounds, says the Air Ministry. Bombers also heavily attacked Hitler’s mountain-top refuge, “the Eagle’s Nest,” five miles away. The planes used 12,0001 b bombs for deep penetration against the chalet and the refuge. Large numbers of 4000 and 10,0001 b bombs were also dropped on the barracks. Visibility was excellent and all the targets were clearly identified.

Accurate Shooting “This was the target I had been waiting for,” said Flight Lieutenant E. F. Jones, of Newcastle-on-Tyne. “The barracks took a really heavy pasting. No ‘flak’ appeared until after the first bombs dropped, but then there was plenty of accurate shooting from heavy guns.” A reu.-gunner said: “I saw one terrific flash right on Hitler’s house. I also saw two* heavy bombs fall on the house or near enough not to matter.”

Flying Officer D. A. Coster, of Winton, New Zealand, who attacked the barracks, . aid they were heavily damaged. "Each time I looked down there was a building being destroyed,” he said.

The Air Ministry says that the photographs showed that the area had been closely and elaborately protected and once the guns opened up they put up a heavy defence. The barracks at the chalet are large and could house a strong force. Fighter formations arriving toward the end of the attack found smoke •ising 10,000 feet and flames licking the wrecked buildings.